Shaun Derry felt Cambridge United deserved to claim a Sky Bet League One scalp after seeing his side lose to Northampton on penalties in the Checkatrade Trophy last night.

The Southern Group H tie finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Piero Mingoia’s strike being instantly cancelled out by former U’s man Alex Revell in the first half at Sixfields.

Mingoia missed a good chance to put United ahead in the second half, before Liam O’Neil was the only man not to score from the spot as the Cobblers won the shootout 5-4.

“I thought it was another positive performance on the back of Saturday’s positive performance,” said United head coach Derry, who made nine changes to his starting line-up while League One’s bottom team made just three.

“Let’s get things right – that was a very, very strong group of players we’ve played against. You look at the changes we’ve made, but we’re disappointed not to have won the game.

“I thought we created the better chances and I thought we scored an excellent goal, coming from some combination play on the edge of the box and the finish from Piero was exactly what I’d love to see in terms of more chances being created and finished in that manner.

“I don’t think Dimi (Mitov) had too many saves to make on the night and I thought we had a great chance in the second half where I’d like to see us be more clinical in that situation. I think if we’d scored that we’d have ended up winning the game. It disappoints me because to lose the game on penalties is a kick.”

The U’s picked up one point from the contest, compared to the hosts’ two.

And Derry will now get his troops ready for Saturday’s home match against Colchester.

“We have to look forward and the good thing for me and my group is we’ve had three real strong performances now,” said Derry. “It gives us a massive platform to push forward.”